Sheesh Mahal Medal Gallery

The Sheesh Mahal Medal Gallery is a renowned section of the Sheesh Mahal Museum inside the Old Moti Bagh Palace complex in Patiala, Punjab. Housed in the 19th-century Sheesh Mahal built by Maharaja Narinder Singh in 1847, it displays one of the world's largest collections of medals, decorations and orders, with over 3,200 exhibits. The gallery showcases awards from British India, princely states and foreign countries, reflecting the military and civil honours history of the region.

Visitors can expect to explore a dedicated gallery inside the historic Sheesh Mahal palace, set around a small lake and gardens. The gallery displays extensive glass cases containing medals, decorations, orders and ribbons from British India, Patiala State and other countries, along with descriptive labels. The surrounding Sheesh Mahal complex includes mirror-work halls, miniature paintings, sculptures and the North Zone Cultural Centre exhibition areas. The visit is primarily indoor museum sightseeing with walking through palace corridors and gallery halls.

Sheesh Mahal was built in 1847 by Maharaja Narinder Singh of Patiala as part of the Old Moti Bagh Palace complex. The palace is known for its European-influenced architecture, mirror-work and frescoes. After independence, the palace was converted into a museum. The Medal Gallery was established to house the extensive collection of medals and decorations of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh and the Patiala State, including British honours and foreign orders, and is cited as one of the largest medal collections in the world.

The gallery preserves the honours and award traditions of the former Patiala State and British India, reflecting military, civil and commemorative heritage. As part of the Sheesh Mahal Museum and North Zone Cultural Centre, it contributes to Punjab's cultural heritage by displaying miniature paintings, manuscripts, sculptures and decorative arts alongside the medal collection, representing the artistic patronage of the Patiala rulers.